Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders may initially take one Career and Technical Education (CTE) PSEO course. If 10th graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may still continue to participate in PSEO.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses.

School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.

How to Enroll in PSEO
Interested and eligible 11th- and 12th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out their eligibility requirements, which courses are offered and what the application process is at that institution. Access the list of Participating Postsecondary Institutions for a list of schools and their contact information. Interested and eligible public 10th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out which Career and Technical (CTE) courses are offered and what the application process is at that institution.

To assist the district in planning, students are required to inform their district of their intent to enroll in PSEO courses during the following school year by May 30. Students should seek guidance from their high school counselor to determine if PSEO is the right fit for them and their academic plan. Interested students must complete the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program Registration Form.

PSEO for 10th Graders to take Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses
Legislation allows eligible 10th-grade students to enroll initially in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course through PSEO. If the student earns a “C” or higher grade in this first course, she/he is eligible to take additional CTE courses while in 10th grade. In order to be eligible, a 10th-grade student must have met the proficiency level of “meets or exceeds” on the 8th-grade MCA reading test. If the student did not take the MCA, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted.

The Minnesota Department of Education has developed a new Policy entitled: Minnesota Department of Education Alternative Eligibility Options Policy for 10th Grade Students with a Disability who Wish to Participate in Career and Technical Education Classes through the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program. The Policy and written procedures are effective December 8, 2015. Access the policy, procedures, and the Modification Request Form.

Transportation Reimbursement for Qualified Students 
Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. Access the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions. If you have any questions regarding the mileage reimbursement for low-income students’ participation in the PSEO program, contact Julie Belisle at 651-582-8265.

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Credit equivalence is as followed:

Concurrent:  1 credit issued per each semester taken.

Honors Online:  1 college credit = 1/2 high school credit

On-Campus programming:  1 college credit = 1/2 high school credit

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For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.